What does 'yaw' refer to in aircraft movements?

Yaw refers to the rotation of an aircraft around its vertical axis. This movement is essential for controlling the aircraft's horizontal direction during flight. When an aircraft yaws, its nose moves left or right, which is crucial for maneuvering and aligning the aircraft with the desired flight path or runway during takeoff and landing.

Yaw control is primarily achieved through the use of the aircraft's rudder, located on the vertical stabilizer at the tail. This axis rotation allows pilots to make coordinated turns and stabilize the aircraft against adverse conditions like wind or turbulence, creating a necessary balance with the other flight axes: pitch and roll, which are respectively related to rotation around the horizontal and lateral axes. Understanding yaw is key for pilots as it influences the overall handling and navigation of the aircraft.